'I have to motivate myself as I can't rely on anybody else'

Kulkarni's consistency earned him a deal with the Mumbai Indians franchise (Indian Premier League). However, it has so far not been able to merit a place in the starting eleven.

For starters, in his debut season in the Ranji Trophy, in 2008-09, Kulkarni finished as Mumbai's top wicket-taker with 42 wickets in nine matches. The tally was inclusive of figures of five for 76 in the second innings of the final even as Mumbai thrashed Uttar Pradesh by 243 runs.

In his second season, as well, the medium pacer played a part in his team retaining the title, picking 24 wickets in nine matches as Mumbai held off Karnataka's resistance.

The bowler was consistent as well in the two subsequent seasons -- taking 16 wickets in four matches in 2010-11 and 21 wickets in eight matches in 2011-12 -- but Mumbai failed to reach the final in either, and his performances went unnoticed. However, it didn't leave the bowler disappointed.

"I am in the team to take the new ball and provide the team with initial breakthroughs. And that's what I try to do," explained Kulkarni.

At 24, and on the verge of winning a third Ranji title (in just five years) with Mumbai, Kulkarni has time on his side when it comes to national call-up.

More importantly, the bowler knows exactly what he has to do.

"I have to motivate myself, as I can't rely on anybody else. So the key is to be patient, stick to your basics and keep doing things well," he said.